How to Find the Most Comfortable Mattress

What’s The Most Comfortable Mattress Type?

So you want to know what the most comfortable mattress is? The quick answer: The mattress that best suits your needs will prove to be the most comfortable. This isn’t a cop-out, it’s just the quick answer. The truth is, there is no magic mattress that is best for everyone.

According to a survey conducted by BetterSleep.org, six in ten Americans crave sleep more than sex. If you can identify, you are in the right place!

To figure out where to start reading mattress reviews, you need to ask and answer a few questions about how your current sleep leaves you feeling every morning. If you ended up here, chances are you’re experiencing some sort of restlessness or pain from your current mattress and you either want or need a better night’s sleep. First we’ll introduce the most popular types of mattresses, then we’ll help you determine which is right for you.

Let’s get started on what you’ll need to know to help you get the best sleep possible. In the next section, we run through the common types of mattresses that can be found in stores or online. We note the good and the bad found in each, as well as what kind of sleeper may find the most comfort.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Inspired by NASA technology, memory foam is known for how well it responds to weight. It is unique in that weight is dispersed and the foam molds itself to the sleeper without resistance or pressure. This allows it to support the lower back and all areas of the body and relieve pressure points.

THE GOOD: Memory foam absorbs movement so even if you have a partner that tosses and turns all night, it won’t affect your side of the bed. The individual body contouring of memory foam will reduce pressure throughout the body no matter what sleep position you prefer or move to during the night. While memory foam is known for the soft feel provided, there are different levels of density available to help you find the desired firmness and support levels. This type of material is one of the best-rated mattresses, and is becoming popular online and in retail stores.

THE BAD: The foam used in most memory foam mattresses is heat activated, which can cause an uncomfortable feeling of overheating for sensitive sleepers. Since memory foam contours so well to a sleeper’s body and has a slow recovery time, it can provide a bit of difficulty for older or heavier sleepers to physically get out of bed in the morning. Also, since the foam is created from chemicals an unpleasant odor has been observed by some.

It is important to note that not all memory foam mattresses are the same; manufacturers have been working to address the heat issue and even the chemical issue in order to provide a more comfortable mattress. For example, Amerisleep’s plant-based memory foam mattresses cut harmful VOCs out and utilize plant-derived oils and extracts in manufacturing. They also have a faster recovery time and plant-based memory foam has been shown to be as much as 10 times more breathable than traditional foam and 25% cooler than gel foams.

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses are constructed from either natural or synthetic rubber. Natural or organic latex mattresses are the most earth-friendly mass-produced mattress. There are two processes by which the latex is created (Dunlop and Talalay) both of which have unique characteristics.

If you decide a latex mattress is right for you, spend some time learning the differences between the two varieties. Dunlop is the most common and uses less energy. Talalay latex requires a few more steps and more energy to make. They both offer a bouncy yet firm feel that is evenly distributed throughout the bed, but there are subtle differences.

THE GOOD: Since latex is a naturally-derived product, there are no harsh chemicals or petroleum products used during manufacturing (for 100% natural latex mattresses). This greatly reduces the chance of breathing and skin irritations, headaches, and nausea for even the most sensitive sleepers. Organic latex performs even better. Latex is also hypoallergenic and one of the most resistant of all bedding materials to mites and mildew, thus providing a very clean sleeping environment.

Latex also usually ties or exceeds memory foam in satisfaction ratings for the top spot. Around 80-85% of owners report satisfaction, making it statistically one of the most comfortable mattress types. These mattresses offer a resilient support that relieves pressure points throughout the body to alleviate pain.

Since the latex is aerated during its creation, it allows for great airflow throughout the mattress which helps regulate body temperature all night long. Latex is structurally strong and durable, which increases longevity and won’t create deep body impressions from long-term use like other mattresses.

THE BAD: Due to the dense nature of latex, these mattresses can tend to be somewhat on the firm side. However, there are brands of latex created specifically with a softer or plusher feel for use over cores for those who prefer plusher feels. It can also be difficult to compare the best mattress brands and types of latex, and all-latex mattresses may be difficult to find locally. 100% natural or organic latex may also be somewhat more expensive than other types of beds, but typically comes with longer warranties.

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses are still the most manufactured style by far and can accommodate any budget. If price is your biggest concern, it’s good to know that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to find decent results. However, when you reach the lower end of the price scale quality is questionable. Look for innerspring mattresses with a coil count of between 340 and 390. Anything below this may not support your body well enough any any count above this range provides insignificant advantages.

THE GOOD: A high coil count with sufficient padding can provide enough firmness to alleviate moderate pain to pressure points in the neck, shoulders, back, hips, and legs. Also, these mattresses can serve as a good base for an additional topper of your choice such as memory foam or latex and some come with these add-ons already attached. While not providing the full benefits of these new sleep materials, this is a good way to test drive an option for future purchases.

THE BAD: An innerspring is not typically customizable, and while a firm coil spring may provide some relief, their inability to contour to your body’s shape can’t provide enough specialized support for chronic pain. These mattresses also tend to have a shorter life span and the springs tend to lose strength and topper materials compress within couple years. Innerspring mattresses are also the lowest rated mattress type overall, with an average of 65-70% reporting satisfaction.

The Most Comfortable Mattress?

Owner satisfaction can tell you a lot about a product. Since you don’t have time to ask thousands of bed owners what they think about their purchases, you’ll have to rely on someone who does. SleepLikeTheDead.com is an independent mattress review website and they have asked thousands of mattress owners if they are satisfied with their bed. Here are some of their results.

Data collected from SleepLikeTheDead.com

How To Find The Most Comfortable Mattress for You

Comfort is a very subjective term, but most would probably agree that a comfortable mattress is one that doesn’t cause any aches and pains and doesn’t inconvenience the sleeper. The first step to finding nocturnal bliss is evaluating your current mattress.

A new mattress is likely to improve your sleep quality, especially if you have an older mattress. An Oklahoma University study showed that a news sleep system reduced back pain discomfort and increased sleep quality.

Answer the questions below about your mattress and see if you are in need of a new mattress.

Do you have a comfortable mattress?

Are you getting a full night sleep?

Do you wake up with back and neck pain?

Do you wake with pain in a certain part of your body or all over your body?

Do you experience pressure points or limbs falling asleep?

Do you get so hot that you wake up in the middle of the night?

Is your mattress sagging?

The list of questions goes on and on, but the point is to take a few minutes to figure out what you want from your mattress and where it is currently falling short….or sinking in some circumstances. This can help you get an idea of your needs and what type of material might be most comfortable mattress for you. What do you need from a mattress that you aren’t getting?

Winning, Mattress Style

The mattress marketplace is certainly not as simple as it once was. We have so many different types of materials and brands to choose from, each with different benefits. It is important not to feel intimidated by the shopping process or by the idea of trying a new mattress type, especially if your old standby has not delivered.

Finding the most comfortable mattress might involve research and learning, and maybe even some trial and error. Once you’ve researched the field and found the option for you, look for a retailer that offers a return period of at least 30 days. This will give you plenty of time to see if you actually like your mattress before completely committing.

Shop around and don’t buy until you are comfortable. Get all your questions answered. Being a smart shopper and knowing what’s out there will ultimately help you get the most comfortable mattress.

Reader Interactions

Comments

I like the pillow top feel but I also want it to last. I went to Macy’s and bought a bed. They delivered a much cheaper version of the Sterns and Foster I ordered. Such a shame I felt so taken advantage of!

Looking for a bed that has a firm setting of 6.5, I’m a side sleeper and back sleeper so need something to work with that. I’m an athlete around 200lbs so i sweat a lot and need something cool. My hips are out of alignment due to a lower spine issue, so need something to comfort that. I have heard the purple, bear, casper, ghost, and amerisleep. What is the biggest different from these beds and what i need?

That’s a great question. A side/back sleeper, around 200lbs, with a lower spine issue who sweats a lot.

Out of those 5 options, we would suggest you consider Ghostbed (but only their Ghostbed Luxe as it has the height you need, plus cooling properties), Amerisleep’s AS3, and the Purple 3.

Out of those three, the Amerisleep AS3 has the most memory foam, so it may be the best option for pressure relief. Plus, it has that zoned back support which could help with your lower spine issue. However, the Ghostbed Luxe and the Purple 3 should be considered. While the Ghostbed Luxe has less memory foam, it does seem, by all the reviews, to be a very cool mattress.

The Purple 3 is unique because it does not have memory foam at all (instead it has its own Purple material) and it uses coils for support. So it should have no problem with breathability. If you can head to a Mattress Firm they usually carry the Purple line. Give them a try first, to see if you like their unique material. If the material is not for you, then focus on the Ghostbed Luxe or Amerisleep As3. Either of those could really be a benefit to you.

I too wondered why, with such a comprehensive, thoughtful report, a Sleep Number type “Air” bed wasn’t included in the comparisons. I’ve thought about an Amerisleep mattress but have also thought about a Sleep Number alternative by “nightairbeds.com”. Any thoughts?

Thanks for the question! It’s a good question. Right now we are focusing most of our research on all-foam, hybrid, traditional innerspring, and latex mattresses. Sleep Number does use memory foam in most of their mattresses. That being said, the ability to change the firmness, plus with their unique technology, makes Sleep Number unique and not something we consider ourself experts in. If you google sleep number reviews, you will find a page by Mattress Clarity that is pretty comprehensive.

Of the things that you said, what I liked the most was the idea that memory foam mattresses absorb movements and that even if the person I am sleeping next to moves about, I won’t be affected. I sleep with my little brother, and I can say that he is such an active boy even in sleep. It keeps me up though. That is why I think it will be a good idea to consider this type of mattress once we decide to replace the old one.

I purchased a foam mattress by Boyd mattress.After a week We started questioning the retwhere.After 2 years of excuses I tried getting in touch with Boyd .No response. I broke my back and can’t afford financially to spend 2 thousand more dollars for a 500 dollar bed.Can you help?

I’m allergic to latex. Are memory foam mattresses made with latex? How about plant-based memory foam or gel foam? About saying in this article that latex mattresses are hypoallergenic, many people are allergic to latex. So many that the entire multi-building medical complex and hospital that I live near has banned latex from all of its facilities.

Have you heard of Saatva? They look pretty good. I checked the amerisleep link you provided above and they only have twin XL, We have the base mattress and the frame. It is an adjustable bed, it is two twins pushed together. Do no want anything hot, body hurts all over when I awake. Sleep mostly on my side with my head elevated. Thank you!

I took delivery of a Sealy Singapore bed 2 weeks ago from Bensons for Beds. This is rated a ‘3’ medium/firm. In the shop I was told the mattress was suitable for my hip pain. I did try it and found it comfortable. However, when new bed arrived I find the mattress a lot firmer than the one I tried in the shop. I went back to the shop and tried the bed on show again. It is indeed less firm and also not as high as the one delivered to me.

Bensons has ignored all e-mails sent to customer services and the CEO. I feel that I have been sent the wrong mattress although the name Singapore appears on the label. I have started having pain all over just after a week of sleeping on this mattress. Bensons has a 4o day guarantee but I do not consider this applies in my case.

I would like to know if anyone has had similar issues and how they dealt with it. What was the outcome.

I have had same experience. Couldn’t get any result from bed place. Although I complained from couple of days after recieving mattress. They still wouldn’t admit to the one in shop being different to one in I recieved. It was to do with one in shop was a lot softer than the one we have. They sent someone out to test it. He said it was the same without even laying on it. In the end I went to my credit card people. Always best to pay by credit card. Had phone call yesterday from mattress man to say the credit card people had claimed the money back so they want mattress asap. Haven’t had money back yet but been going on for 4 months. Fingers crossed I get my money soon to get another.

Hi, I get way to hot and wake up throughout the night, I also wake up feeling like I’ve been kicked with mainly hip pain as I’m a side sleeper!! I don’t like a mattress with ‘tufts’ as I can feel them beneath me!!! Worried about any kind of ‘foam bed’ for fear of getting way too hot!! CAN YOU HELP ME PLEASE!!?!?!?

Side sleepers generally need a bit more cushioning on a mattress in order to avoid hip and shoulder pressure points and keep the spine straight (at least 3 inches). The materials that consistently rate best at preventing pressure points are natural latex and memory foam. Fiber padding doesn’t offer comparable buoyancy or durability.

One thing to note is that not all foams sleep hot. A Cargill study found plant-based foams to be more breathable than gel-infused foams, and plant-based memory foam brands like Amerisleep tend to have very low complaints when it comes to reviewers mentioning sleeping hot (compared to traditional foam brands). If your existing mattress is in a good shape, a thin memory foam or latex topper could help; if it’s time to replace look into beds with plant-based foams or organic latex.

I have noticed many people who buy air mattresses make the mistake of pumping too much air into the mattress. Just enough air to keep your body from touching the bottom of the mattress is all it takes. The difference is going from something impossible to even fall asleep on to floating on a cloud.